Method and apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surface of the structure, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. A method of securing a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the liner atop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner in engagement with the mounting member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus forsecuring a flexible liner to a liquid containment structure. Moreparticularly, the present invention method and apparatus relate tosecuring a flexible liner around an opening in a swimming pool, forexample, an opening around swimming pool stairs. The invention can beused with new or existing liquid containment structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of methods and apparatus for securing a liner in a liquidcontainment structure are known in the art. For example, methods andapparatus are known for securing a swimming pool liner around a module,such as a set of stairs.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,177,501 (Kwake) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner to a pool wall. The apparatus comprises a groove in the pool wall.The liner comprises an expanded bead around the perimeter of the liner.The bead is inserted into the groove to secure the liner within thepool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a lineraround a module, such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,071 (Hoch et al.) discloses an apparatus forsecuring a liner around the edge of an above-ground pool. There is noteaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module,such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,162 (Hall) discloses a deck for an in-ground oraboveground pool that receives around the perimeter of the pool aplastic liner attached to a metal liner. There is no teaching,suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as aset of stairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,732 (Engelhart) discloses an apparatus for securingan anchoring device in a lined pool. There is no teaching, suggestion,or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set ofstairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,118 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groovearound the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around theperimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure theliner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, ormotivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs,using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,839 (Blakeway) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner comprising vinyl-covered steel sheet around the edge of anin-ground pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation tosecure a flexible liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, usinga coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,658 (Hodak) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner around the edge of an in-ground pool. There is no teaching,suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as aset of stairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,324 (Lankheet) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groovearound the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around theperimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure theliner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, ormotivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs,using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,228 (Gardenier) discloses a device for securing apool liner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprisesa strip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This devicerequires drilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion,or motivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set ofstairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,710 (Swinburn) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner around the edge of an above-ground pool using a groove and beadand penetrating the liner around an opening for a spa jet. There is noteaching, suggestion, or motivation to secure a liner around a module,such as a set of stairs, using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,706 (Barnes) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner to a drain fitting. There is no teaching, suggestion, ormotivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs,using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,631 (Friedman) discloses an apparatus for securing aliner to the edge of an in-ground pool. The apparatus comprises a groovearound the edge of the pool. The liner comprises a bead around theperimeter of the liner. The bead is inserted in the groove to secure theliner around the edge of the pool. There is no teaching, suggestion, ormotivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs,using a coupling member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,098 (Crelin) discloses a device for securing a poolliner to a set of stairs in an in-ground pool. The device comprises astrip that is screwed to the stairs over the liner. This device requiresdrilling holes in the liner. There is no teaching, suggestion, ormotivation to secure a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs,using a coupling member.

What is needed then is a means of securing, in a liquid containmentstructure, a liner around a module, such as a set of stairs, using acoupling member that will not require puncturing the liner as part ofits installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises anapparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure furthercomprising a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly securedto a surface of the structure and an attaching member operativelyarranged to matingly engage the mounting member, sandwiching the linertherebetween. In a second embodiment, the invention broadly comprises anapparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containment structure,comprising a flange arranged proximate a surface of the containmentstructure, a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly securedto the flange, and an attaching member operatively arranged to matinglyengage the mounting member, sandwiching the liner therebetween. Thepresent invention also comprises an apparatus for repairing a liner in aliquid containment structure.

The invention also broadly comprises a method of securing a liner to aliquid containment structure, comprising the steps of fixedly securing amounting member to a surface of the structure, positioning the lineratop the mounting member, and securing an attaching member atop theliner in engagement with the mounting member. In another embodiment, theinvention broadly comprises a method of securing a liner in a liquidcontainment structure, comprising the steps of arranging a flangeproximate a surface of the liquid containment structure, fixedlysecuring a mounting member to the flange, positioning the liner atop themounting member, and securing an attaching member atop the liner inengagement with the mounting member. Finally, the invention comprises amethod for repairing a liner in a liquid containment structure.

A general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod to secure a liner to a surface of the structure withoutpuncturing the liner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod to secure a liner to a flange of a module installed in a liquidcontainment structure without puncturing the liner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod to repair a liner attached to a surface of the structure withoutpuncturing the liner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusand method to repair a liner attached to a flange of a module installedin a liquid containment structure without puncturing the liner.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill inthe art upon a reading of the following detailed description of theinvention in view of the drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now bemore fully described in the following detailed description of theinvention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention apparatus attachedto a flange of a pool stair module;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus secured to a surface of aliquid containment structure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details ofFIG. 2; and,

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus showing further details ofFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify substantially identical structuralelements of the invention. While the present invention is described withrespect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments,it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and assuch may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention,which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devicesor materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be usedin the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods,devices, and materials are now described.

The present invention apparatus broadly comprises a mounting memberoperatively arranged to be secured to either a surface of a liquidcontainment structure or a flange of a module installed in a structureand an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engage themounting member. A flexible liner placed between the mounting andattaching members is sandwiched by the mounting and attaching memberswhen these two members are engaged.

Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus100 of the present invention, shown attached to a flange of a pool stairmodule. Side 112 of a pool (not shown) includes stairway module 120 withflange 122. Mounting member 130 is attached to flange 122, liner 140overlies mounting member 130 and attaching member 150 is connected tomounting member 130, sandwiching liner 140. In FIG. 1, member 130 isshown as a separate element from the flange 122. In other embodimentsdescribed below, a respective mounting member is integral to a flange.In a preferred embodiment, the liner is flexible, although this is not acritical limitation of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 secured to a surfaceof a liquid containment structure. Side 212 in a pool (not shown)includes stairway module 220 that is an integral part of the pool.Mounting member 430 is attached to side 212, liner 140 overlies mountingmember 430 and attaching member 150 is connected to mounting member 430,sandwiching liner 140. In FIG. 2, member 430 is shown as integral toside 212. In other embodiments described below, a respective mountingmember is a separate element from a surface.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further detailsof FIG. 1. Mounting member 230, separately formed from flange 122 andhaving a gripping surface 231 and a mounting surface 232, is securelyattached to flange 122. Mounting surface 232 is shaped to facilitate theinterfacing of member 230 with flange 122. Typically, mounting surface232 is shaped to mirror the planar configuration of flange 122, so thatsurface 232 has maximum contact with flange 122. However, it should bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other shapes andconfigurations are possible for surface 232, and such modifications arewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 230. Attaching member 150with pressing surface 151 and outside surface 152 is laid over liner140. Surface 151 is shaped to connect to gripping surface 231. Force isapplied to outside surface 152 in the direction of mounting member 230,joining the mounting and attaching members. Once members 230 and 150 areconnected, surfaces 231 and 151 are held in close proximity. Toaccomplish this, surfaces 231 and 151 interlock or snap together.Possible configurations of gripping surface 231 and pressing surface 151are further described below.

Once connected, members 230 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely gripliner 140 between surfaces 231 and 151, respectively. Advantageously,members 230 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. Thatis, because surfaces 231 and 151 interlock, there is no need to punctureliner 140 to attach member 150 to member 230 using mechanical fasteners.In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids theuse of adhesives on liner 140.

To accommodate mechanical fasteners, mounting member 230 includes aseries of holes 233. Two parallel rows of holes 233 are shown in FIG. 3.However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art thatother groupings and combinations of holes 233 are possible, and suchgroupings and combinations are within the spirit and scope of theinvention as claimed. Mechanical fasteners 234 are inserted throughholes 233 and then engaged to flange 122, securely attaching member 230to flange 122. In FIG. 3, fasteners 234 are screws. However, it shouldbe readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other fasteners suchas rivets can be used and such fasteners are within the spirit and scopeof the invention as claimed. An embodiment describing adhesive fasteningis described below.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further detailsof FIG. 1. Mounting member 330 with gripping surface 331 is an integralpart of flange 122. That is, member 330 is formed as a part of flange122. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 330. Attaching member150 with a pressing surface 151 and an outside surface 152 is laid overliner 140 and force is applied to outside surface 152 in the directionof mounting member 330, joining the mounting and attaching members. Oncemembers 330 and 150 are connected, surfaces 331 and 151 are kept inclose proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 331 and 151 interlock orsnap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 331 andpressing surface 151 are further described below.

Once connected, members 330 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely gripliner 140 between surfaces 331 and 151, respectively. Advantageously,members 330 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. Thatis, because surfaces 331 and 151 interlock, there is no need to punctureliner 140 to attach member 150 to member 330 using mechanical fasteners.In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids theuse of adhesives on liner 140.

The following discussion should be considered in light of both FIGS. 3and 4. To accomplish the connection of mounting members 230 and 330 toattaching member 150, surfaces 231 and 331, respectively, and surface151 are shaped into corresponding convex and concave shapes,particularly, protuberances and grooves (not shown), that interlock andmatingly engage one another when members 230 and 330, respectively, andmember 150 are pressed together. For example, in some embodiments,surfaces 231 and 331 each include at least one protuberance with aspecified shape and surface 151 includes a corresponding groove shapedto accommodate the protuberance in the surface 231 or 331. In otherembodiments, surface 151 includes at least one protuberance with aspecified shape and surfaces 231 and 331 each include at least onegroove shaped to accommodate the protuberance in surface 151. Typically,a groove and corresponding protuberance are formed such that theprotuberance substantially occupies the entire groove. However, itshould be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that othercombinations of shapes are possible, and such combinations are withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3. The followingdiscussion should be considered in light of both FIGS. 5 and 6. Grippingsurfaces 231 and 331 and pressing surface 151 in FIGS. 5 and 6,respectively, can be configured with various combinations ofprotuberances and grooves to facilitate the interlocking of mountingmembers 230 and 330, respectively, with attaching member 150. Theprotuberances and grooves can be formed in a variety of cross-sectionalgeometric shapes, including but not limited to, round (semi-circular),polygonal (triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.), or asymmetric.However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art thatother cross-sectional geometric shapes are possible, and such shapes arewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. FIGS. 5 and 6present two possible combinations of protuberances and grooves. However,it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that othercombinations are possible, and such combinations are within the spiritand scope of the invention as claimed.

To facilitate the interlocking of member 150 with mounting members 230and 330, attaching member 150 is typically formed of elastic materialand mounting members 230 and 330 are typically formed of a relativelyrigid material. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled inthe art that other combinations of elastic and relatively rigidmaterials are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed. Typically, the flexible material is aplastic with UV and chlorine resistance. Plastics of this type are wellknown in the art. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilledin the art that other flexible materials are possible, and suchmaterials are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.The rigid material can be plastic or metal. Typically, the rigid plastichas UV and chlorine resistance and is of a type well known in the art.However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art thatother rigid materials are possible, and such materials are within thespirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Returning to FIG. 5, gripping surface 231 is formed to haveprotuberances 235 and 236 and groove 237, all substantially parallel.However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art thatother combinations of orientation for the protuberances 235 and 236 andgroove 237 are possible, and such combinations are within the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed tohave grooves 253 and 254, corresponding to protuberances 235 and 236,respectively, and protuberance 255, corresponding to groove 237. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, when mounting member 230 and attachingmember 150 are pressed together, the attaching member elasticallystretches so that grooves 253 and 254 engage and interlock withprotuberances 235 and 236. Then, grooves 253 and 254 exert pressure onthe protuberances 235 and 236, drawing pressing surface 151 againstgripping surface 231, thereby sandwiching and securing liner 140. Inaddition, the pressure noted above creates a liquid-tight seal betweenliner 140 and pressing surface 151. The pressure noted above also pushesprotuberance 255 into groove 237, further helping to secure liner 140between members 230 and 150.

Returning to FIG. 6, mounting member 230 is shown attached to flange 122using adhesive. The type of adhesive used depends on the materials usedto form flange 122 and member 230. The selection of appropriateadhesives is well known in the art. Gripping surface 231 is formed tohave substantially parallel grooves 238 and 239. However, it should bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other combinations oforientation for grooves 238 and 239 are possible, and such combinationsare within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Pressingsurface 151 is formed to have protuberances 256 and 257, correspondingto grooves 238 and 239, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,when mounting member 330 and attaching member 150 are pressed together,attaching member 150 elastically deforms so that protuberances 256 and257 engage and interlock with grooves 238 and 239. The discussionregarding the interlocking of members 230 and 150 in the description forFIG. 5 is applicable to FIG. 6, and for the sake of brevity, is notrepeated here.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4. Grippingsurface 331 is formed to have protuberances 335 and 336 and groove 337,all substantially parallel. However, it should be readily apparent toone skilled in the art that other combinations of orientation forprotuberances 335 and 336 and groove 337 are possible, and suchcombinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention asclaimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to have grooves 353 and 354,corresponding to protuberances 335 and 336, respectively, andprotuberance 355, corresponding to groove 337. In FIG. 7, surfaces 331and 151 are shaped the same as surfaces 231 and 151, respectively, inFIG. 5. In addition, members 330 and 150 can be made of the samematerials as members 230 and 150, respectively, in FIG. 5. Therefore,the discussion in the description for FIGS. 5 and 6 is applicable toFIG. 7, and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4. Grippingsurface 331 is formed to have substantially parallel grooves 338 and339. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the artthat other combinations of orientation for grooves 338 and 339 arepossible, and such combinations are within the spirit and scope of theinvention as claimed. Pressing surface 151 is formed to haveprotuberances 356 and 357, corresponding to grooves 338 and 339,respectively. In FIG. 8, surfaces 331 and 151 are shaped the same assurfaces 231 and 151, respectively, in FIG. 6. In addition, member 150can be made of the same materials as member 150 in FIG. 6. Therefore,the discussion in the description for FIGS. 5 and 6 is applicable toFIG. 8, and in the interest of brevity is not repeated here.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further detailsof FIG. 2. Mounting member 530 with gripping surface 531 and mountingsurface 532 is securely attached to side 212. Mounting surface 532 isshaped to facilitate the interfacing of member 530 with side 212.Typically, mounting surface 532 is shaped to mirror the planarconfiguration of side 212, so that surface 532 has maximum contact withside 212. However, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in theart that other shapes and configurations are possible for surface 532,and such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the inventionas claimed. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 530. Attachingmember 150 with pressing surface 151 and outside surface 152 is laidover liner 140. Surface 151 is shaped to connect to gripping surface531. Force is applied to outside surface 152 in the direction ofmounting member 530, joining the mounting and attaching members. Oncemembers 530 and 150 are connected, surfaces 531 and 151 are held inclose proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 531 and 151 interlock orsnap together. Possible configurations of gripping surface 531 andpressing surface 151 are further described below.

Once connected, members 530 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely gripliner 140 between surfaces 531 and 151, respectively. Advantageously,members 530 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. Thatis, because surfaces 531 and 151 interlock, there is no need to punctureliner 140 to attach member 150 to member 530 using mechanical fasteners.In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids theuse of adhesives on liner 140.

Mounting member 530 can be affixed to side 212 using a variety of meansincluding adhesion (not shown) and mechanical fasteners. The type ofadhesive used depends on the materials used to form side 212 and member530 and is readily known to those skilled in the art. To accommodatemechanical fasteners, mounting member 530 includes a series of holes533. Two parallel rows of holes 533 are shown in FIG. 9. However, itshould be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that othergroupings and combinations of holes 533 are possible, and such groupingsand combinations are within the spirit and scope of the invention asclaimed. Mechanical fasteners 534 are inserted through the holes 533 andthen engaged to side 212, securely attaching member 530 to side 212. InFIG. 9, fasteners 534 are screws. However, it should be readily apparentto one skilled in the art that other fasteners such as rivets can beused and such fasteners are within the spirit and scope of the inventionas claimed.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus 100 showing further detailsof FIG. 2. Mounting member 630 with a gripping surface 631 is securelyattached to side 212. Mounting member 630 is formed as an integral partof side 112. Liner 140 is stretched over mounting member 630. Attachingmember 150 with a pressing surface 151 and an outside surface 152 islaid over liner 140 and force is applied to the outside surface 152 inthe direction of the mounting member 630, joining the mounting andattaching members. Once members 630 and 150 are connected, surfaces 631and 151 are held in close proximity. To accomplish this, surfaces 631and 151 interlock or snap together. Possible configurations of grippingsurface 631 and pressing surface 151 are further described below.

Once connected, members 630 and 150 sandwich liner 140 and securely gripliner 140 between surfaces 631 and 151, respectively. Advantageously,members 630 and 150 grip liner 140 without puncturing the liner. Thatis, because surfaces 631 and 151 interlock, there is no need to punctureliner 140 to attach member 150 to member 630 using mechanical fasteners.In addition, advantageously, a liquid-tight seal is formed between liner140 and member 150. The present invention also advantageously avoids theuse of adhesives on liner 140.

The following discussion should be considered in light of FIGS. 9 and10. Mounting member 530 and attaching member 150 in FIG. 9 can be formedin the shapes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for mounting member 230 andattaching member 150. Therefore, the descriptions for FIGS. 5 and 6 areapplicable to FIG. 9 and in the interest of brevity are not repeatedhere. Mounting member 630 and attaching member 150 in FIG. 10 can beformed in the shapes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for mounting member 330 andattaching member 150. Therefore, the descriptions for FIGS. 7 and 8 areapplicable to FIG. 10 and in the interest of brevity are not repeatedhere.

Mounting members 530 and 630, respectively, and attaching member 150 inFIGS. 9 and 10 can be formed of the materials discussed for mountingmembers 230 and 330, respectively, and attaching member 150 in thedescriptions for FIGS. 5 through 8. Therefore, the descriptions forFIGS. 5 through 8 are applicable to FIGS. 9 and 10 and in the interestof brevity are not repeated here.

The following should be considered in light of FIGS. 1 through 10.Embodiments have been shown with a mounting member securely attached toa flange of a module and with a mounting member securely attached to aside of a liquid containment structure. However, it should be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art that the present inventionembodiments having a mounting member attached to a side of a liquidcontainment structure can be used with a module having a flange and thatsuch use is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Forexample, module 120 shown in FIG. 1 could be installed in a pool, butrather than having the mounting member attached to the flange as shownin FIGS. 1 and 3 through 8, the mounting member could be an integralpart of the side of the pool as shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10.

In the preceding figures, the present invention is described withrespect to a swimming pool. However, the present invention can be usedwith other recreational liquid containment structures, such as anin-ground swimming pool, an aboveground swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa,or a hot tub. It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the artthat the present invention is not limited to only these examples ofrecreational liquid containment structures, and other examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. In thepreceding figures, the present invention is described with respect to aside of a swimming pool. However, in general, the present invention canbe applied to any surface of a liquid containment structure or to aflange arranged proximate any surface of a structure, for example, abottom surface. In the preceding figures, the present invention isdescribed with respect to a stairway module. However, it should bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present inventioncan be used with other modules, such as drain covers, jet returns,skimmer covers, overflow vents, or vacuum covers and that use with theseother modules is within the spirit and scope of the invention asclaimed.

The present invention has been described in the context of securing aliner for a liquid containment structure as part of an installation of amodule, such as a stairway module, in the liquid containment structure.However, returning to FIGS. 3 and 9 particularly, the embodimentsassociated with these figure also can be used to repair a liner aroundan existing opening or module, in an existing liquid containmentstructure. For example, mounting member 230 in FIG. 3 could replace anexisting, prior art means of attaching a liner. The discussion in thedescriptions for FIGS. 5 and 6 also is applicable to embodimentsassociated with liner repairs.

Returning to FIG. 3, the following discussion is applicable to eachembodiment described above, however, to simplify the discussion thatfollows, FIG. 3 will be used as an example. When members 230 and 150 areconnected, securing liner 140, the members are held together due to theinterlocking of surfaces 231 and 151. The interlocking is facilitated byforming member 230 or member 150 of an elastic material. Advantageously,with the proper application of force, the elastic member can bedisconnected from the remaining member without damaging either member.This removal capability enables and simplifies installation and repairoperations.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention areefficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to theinvention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill inthe art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that theforegoing description is illustrative of the present invention andshould not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments ofthe present invention are possible without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

1. An apparatus for securing a liner to a liquid containment structure,comprising: a mounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly securedto a surface of said structure; and, an attaching member operativelyarranged to matingly engage said mounting member, sandwiching said linertherebetween.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidattaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage oneanother to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing saidliner.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said attaching andmounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another and createa liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.
 4. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting member furthercomprises a first protuberance, said attaching member further comprisesa first groove, and said first protuberance is operatively arranged tointerlock with said first groove.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, saidattaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and saidsecond protuberance is operatively arranged to interlock with saidsecond groove.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidmounting member is an integral part of said surface of said structure.7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said mounting memberfurther comprises: a gripping surface operatively arranged to matinglyengage said attaching member; and, a mounting surface operativelyarranged to interface with said surface of said structure.
 8. Theapparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said mounting member furthercomprises a hole connecting said gripping surface and said mountingsurface.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said attachingmember further comprises third and fourth grooves and a thirdprotuberance, all substantially parallel; and, wherein said grippingsurface further comprises fourth and fifth protuberances and a fifthgroove, substantially parallel to and operatively arranged to interlockwith said third and fourth grooves and said third protuberance,respectively, and sandwich said liner between said gripping surface andsaid attaching member without puncturing said liner; and, wherein saidmounting member further comprises a plurality of holes connecting saidgripping and mounting surfaces.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein said mounting member is operatively arranged to be fixedlysecured to said surface of said liquid containment structure, saidliquid containment structure selected from the group consisting ofbelow-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, steel-walledswimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, and hot tubs.
 11. An apparatus forrepairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising: amounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to a surfaceof said structure; and, an attaching member operatively arranged tomatingly engage said mounting member, sandwiching said linertherebetween.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein saidattaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage oneanother to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing saidliner.
 13. An apparatus for securing a liner in a liquid containmentstructure, comprising: a flange arranged proximate a surface of saidcontainment structure; a mounting member operatively arranged to befixedly secured to said flange; and, an attaching member operativelyarranged to matingly engage said mounting member, sandwiching said linertherebetween.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein saidattaching and mounting members are arranged to matingly engage oneanother to sandwich said liner therebetween without puncturing saidliner.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said attachingand mounting members are arranged to matingly engage one another andcreate a liquid-tight seal between said attaching member and said liner.16. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting memberfurther comprises a first protuberance, and said attaching memberfurther comprises a first groove, and, said first protuberance isoperatively arranged to interlock with said first groove.
 17. Theapparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member furthercomprises a second groove, and said attaching member further comprises asecond protuberance, and, said second protuberance is operativelyarranged to interlock with said second groove.
 18. The apparatus asrecited in claim 13 wherein said mounting member is an integral part ofsaid flange.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein saidmounting member further comprises: a gripping surface operativelyarranged to matingly engage said attaching member; and, a mountingsurface operatively arranged to interface with said flange.
 20. Theapparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said mounting member furtherdefines a hole passing through said gripping surface and said mountingsurface.
 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said attachingmember further comprises third and fourth grooves and a thirdprotuberance, all substantially parallel; and, wherein said grippingsurface further comprises fourth and fifth protuberances and a fifthgroove, substantially parallel to and operatively arranged to interlockwith said third and fourth grooves and said third protuberance,respectively, and sandwich said liner between said gripping surface andsaid attaching member without puncturing said liner; and, wherein saidmounting member further comprises a plurality of holes connecting saidgripping and mounting surfaces.
 22. The apparatus as recited in claim 13wherein said mounting member is operatively arranged to be fixedlysecured to a flange arranged in a liquid containment structure, saidliquid containment structure selected from the group consisting ofbelow-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, steel-walledswimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, and hot tubs.
 23. An apparatus forrepairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising: aflange arranged proximate a surface of said containment structure; amounting member operatively arranged to be fixedly secured to saidflange; and, an attaching member operatively arranged to matingly engagesaid mounting member, sandwiching said liner therebetween.
 24. Theapparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein said attaching and mountingmembers are arranged to matingly engage one another to sandwich saidliner therebetween without puncturing said liner.
 25. A method ofsecuring a liner to a liquid containment structure, comprising the stepsof: fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of said structure;positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and, securing anattaching member atop said liner in engagement with said mountingmember.
 26. The method recited in claim 25 wherein said securementincludes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attachingmembers without puncturing said liner.
 27. The method recited in claim26 wherein said sandwiching further comprises creating a liquid-tightseal between said attaching member and said liner.
 28. The methodrecited in claim 25 wherein said mounting member further comprises afirst protuberance, said attaching member further comprises a firstgroove, and said securement further comprises interlocking said firstprotuberance with said first groove.
 29. The method recited in claim 25wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, saidattaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and saidsecurement further comprises interlocking said second protuberance withsaid second groove.
 30. The method recited in claim 25 wherein saidsecurement further comprises integrally forming said mounting member insaid surface of said structure.
 31. The method recited in claim 25wherein said mounting member comprises: a mounting surface arranged tointerface with said surface of said liquid containment structure; and,wherein said securement further comprises securing said mounting surfaceto said surface of said structure.
 32. The method recited in claim 31wherein said mounting member further comprises: a gripping surfaceoperatively arranged to matingly engage said attaching member; and, ahole passing through said gripping and mounting surfaces; and, whereinsaid securement further comprises attaching said mounting member using amechanical fastener inserted through said hole.
 33. The method recitedin claim 31 wherein said securement further comprises adhering saidmounting surface to said surface of said structure.
 34. A method ofrepairing a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising thesteps of: fixedly securing a mounting member to a surface of saidstructure; positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and,securing an attaching member atop said liner in engagement with saidmounting member.
 35. The method recited in claim 34 wherein saidsecurement includes sandwiching said liner between said mounting andattaching members without puncturing said liner.
 36. A method ofsecuring a liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the stepsof: arranging a flange proximate a surface of said containmentstructure; fixedly securing a mounting member to said flange;positioning said liner atop said mounting member; and, securing anattaching member atop said liner in engagement with said mountingmember.
 37. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said securementincludes sandwiching said liner between said mounting and attachingmembers without puncturing said liner.
 38. The method recited in claim37 wherein said sandwiching further comprises creating a liquid-tightseal between said attaching member and said liner.
 39. The methodrecited in claim 36 wherein said mounting member further comprises afirst protuberance, and said attaching member further comprises a firstgroove, and said securement further comprises interlocking said firstprotuberance with said first groove.
 40. The method recited in claim 36wherein said mounting member further comprises a second groove, saidattaching member further comprises a second protuberance, and saidsecurement further comprises interlocking said second protuberance withsaid second groove.
 41. The method recited in claim 36 wherein saidsecurement further comprises integrally forming said mounting member insaid flange.
 42. The method recited in claim 36 wherein said mountingmember comprises: a mounting surface arranged to interface with saidflange; and, wherein said securement further comprises securing saidmounting surface to said flange.
 43. The method recited in claim 42wherein said mounting member further comprises: a gripping surfaceoperatively arranged to matingly engage said attaching member; and, ahole passing through said gripping and mounting surfaces; and, whereinsaid securement further comprises mechanically attaching said mountingmember using a mechanical fastener inserted through said hole.
 44. Themethod recited in claim 42 wherein said securement further comprisesadhering said mounting surface to said flange.
 45. A method of repairinga liner in a liquid containment structure, comprising the steps of:arranging a flange proximate a surface of said containment structure;fixedly securing a mounting member to said flange; positioning saidliner atop said mounting member; and, securing an attaching member atopsaid liner in engagement with said mounting member.
 46. The methodrecited in claim 45 wherein said securement includes sandwiching saidliner between said mounting and attaching members without puncturingsaid liner.